THE QUEZON City UP Diliman Fighting Maroons defeated the heavily-favored Pampanga Foton Tornadoes, 78-68, in a jam-packed Colegio De Sebastian in San Fernando, Pampanga, to become the first FBA champions.
The Fighting Maroons pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring the Tornadoes 24-16, to take a commanding 59-46 lead entering the final period.
Paul Desiderio led all scorers with 17 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals and was named Finals MVP.
Earlier in the game, Levi Hernandez of Pampanga Foton was awarded the Best Player of the Conference.
FBA President LJ Serrano and league commissioner Vince Hizon handed all the awards assisted by their new partners, Korgivit E together with Melmac Sports.
The championship games will be televised on PTV 4 on June 8 at 3:30 pm.